NEWS RELEASE

The Port of Portland has announced a five-year sponsorship of the Portland 3 Bays Marathon commencing with the 2010 event on October 31.

The Port’s Chief Executive, Mr Scott Paterson, said the Portland 3 Bays Marathon is an iconic event that has been a highlight on the community and runners’ calendar for more than quarter of a century.

“We are delighted to have established a long-term relationship with the Portland Runners Club so that there is some certainty about the future of the event,” said Mr Paterson.

The Port will provide an undisclosed cash amount plus its corporate resources to support the event over the five years.

“As an integral part of the Portland and wider economy, we see the sponsorship as an excellent opportunity to put something back into our community. The Marathon is not just an event for elite athletes, it attracts interest and participation from many sections and is part of the Upwelling Festival which traditionally brings tourists to our city,” he said.

Portland Runners Club President, Nicole Reefman, today welcomed the Port’s involvement as naming rights sponsor saying that the club could now invest in the future of the race.

“This year will be the 27th running of the event and we will have more than 15 community groups assisting us on the day,

“The3 Bays Marathon is a prestigious well respected event in the running fraternity and is also an important community event on the Portland calendar. The Port’s sponsorship provides an opportunity to enhance the event and we have some thoughts on how to achieve this.

“We will be announcing a number of innovations over the coming months that we believe will ensure that the Portland 3 Bays Marathon remains the best of its kind,” said Ms Reefman.

Ms Reefman also thanked previous sponsor, Coastal Real Estate for its support over six years. She said Coastal Real Estate rescued the event when a prior sponsor pulled out.

For further information:

Scott Paterson
Port of Portland
Tel: +61 3 5525 0903
Mobile: 0437 981 473

Nicole Reefman 
Portland Runners Club Inc
Mobile: 0410 513 305

Issued by: Tom Valenta, Porter Novelli Melbourne, 0412 373 951